Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Name: Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 onion, diced; 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners.

Created by

Tessa Wright

Last updated on 2025-12-29T23:46:15.770Z

This recipe for Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore combines tender chicken with vibrant vegetables and a rich tomato sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection. It's the ultimate comfort food!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Tender chicken that falls off the bone
Rich, savory tomato sauce with aromatic herbs
Easy to prepare and cook while you're busy

      

A Comforting Family Favorite

Chicken cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that translates to 'hunter's chicken.' Traditionally made with rustic ingredients, this cozy version in a crockpot elevates the dish's flavors while simplifying the cooking process. The slow cooking method allows the chicken to absorb the savory tomato sauce and herbs, resulting in a meal that is as comforting as it is delicious. It’s the perfect dish to gather around the table with family or friends.

This recipe is especially great for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it, allowing the crockpot to do all the work. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a wholesome meal that everyone will love. Plus, the leftovers are fantastic, making it an ideal dish for meal prep.

Versatile and Customizable

One of the best aspects of this Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is its versatility. Feel free to customize the recipe based on what you have on hand or your family's preferences. You can add mushrooms for an earthy flavor, olives for a briny kick, or even zucchini for extra veggies. This adaptability makes it easy to create a dish that suits everyone’s taste.

Additionally, you can serve the chicken cacciatore in various ways. It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, quinoa, or even crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This flexibility not only makes it a go-to meal for different occasions but also adds excitement to your dinner rotations.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cacciatore

To achieve the best results, it’s crucial to choose high-quality chicken thighs, as they provide the most flavor and tenderness. When seasoning the chicken, don’t be shy with the salt and pepper; it enhances the overall taste of the dish. Additionally, feel free to adjust the herbs according to your preference – fresh herbs can also be used for an even more vibrant flavor.

Lastly, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid from the crockpot during the last hour of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate. This simple adjustment can make a significant difference in achieving the desired sauce consistency.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious dish:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 onion, diced
2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore:

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large bowl, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Set aside.

Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot

Place the diced onion and sliced bell peppers at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the seasoned chicken on top.

Add Sauce and Cook

Pour the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth over the chicken. Add minced garlic and stir gently. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

Serve

Once cooked, shred the chicken in the sauce, serve over pasta or rice, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your meal with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

Serving Suggestions

Once your Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is ready, serving it is a delight. Consider ladling the tender chicken and sauce over a bed of al dente pasta, which will soak up the rich flavors beautifully. You can also serve it alongside a fresh garden salad for a light and balanced meal, or with crusty garlic bread to make it even more indulgent.

For a heartier option, serve the cacciatore with creamy polenta or fluffy mashed potatoes. These sides not only complement the dish but also provide a comforting element that enhances the overall dining experience.

Storage and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, you're in for a treat! This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure it's cooled completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can also freeze the cacciatore for up to three months. Just remember to divide it into portions for easy reheating later.

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to maintain the sauce's consistency. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day!

Nutrition Benefits

This Cozy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore is not just tasty; it’s also packed with nutrition. Chicken thighs are rich in protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. The addition of bell peppers and tomatoes boosts the dish with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, making it a wholesome option for a family meal.

Moreover, using herbs like oregano and basil not only enhances the flavor but also adds numerous health benefits. Oregano is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while basil can aid digestion. This makes your cozy cacciatore not only a comforting dish but also a nourishing one.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may dry out more easily than thighs.

→ How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the sauce for some heat.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge.

→ What sides go well with Chicken Cacciatore?

Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.